Methods for using persistent gases as ultrasound contrast media

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or &#34;microbubbles,&#34; comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of microbubbles comprised of the gas.



